Accountant

Accountant job description

An Accountant is responsible for managing and the reporting of financial information for an organisation. Whilst an Accountant may perform all the tasks encompassed in an accountancy role in smaller companies, different accountants are generally responsible for different accountancy areas in larger companies. This can include financial accounting and management accounting.

Accountant duties and responsibilities of the job

As one of the most crucial roles not just of any finance team, but any company, the Accountant job description is a dynamic role with a multitude of responsibilities, including:

Examining bank statements and reconciling them with general ledger entries

Examining expenses submitted by employees

Keeping an eye on incoming payments from accounts receivable and outgoing payments from accounts payable

Creating company financial reports with the above information included

Analysing data collected in order to determine the state of the company’s financial health

Analysing data to understand where the company is generating and losing revenue

Examining the proficiency of the software programs used to organise data

Generating financial reports that display the company’s profits, equity and cash flow

Accountant job qualifications and requirements

A degree, although not always mandatory, is very advantageous in an accountancy career. A Bachelor’s degree in the following is particularly favoured:

Accounting

Business studies

Economics

Management

Typically too, accounting positions require professional certification. The Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) is the most recognised body, however there are a number of international accounting bodies that are recognised too.

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Salary for Accountant

100000 - 125000

25th percentile

100000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

115000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

125000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or KiwiSaver.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Accounts Assistant

75000

80000

85000

Assistant Accountant

85000

90000

95000

Company Accountant

110000

120000

135000

Group Accountant

130000

155000

180000

Accounts Payable Officer

65000

75000

85000

Accounts Payable Manager

95000

120000

140000

Accounts Receivable Officer

65000

75000

85000

Accounts Receivable Manager

95000

120000

140000

Financial Accountant

105000

115000

130000

Senior Financial Accountant

120000

130000

140000

Corporate Accountant

130000

145000

160000

Cost Accountant

115000

140000

160000

Management Accountant

120000

140000

160000

Senior Management Accountant

140000

155000

170000

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Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job candidates our recruiters have matched with companies across the country.

The Salary Guide from Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.